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Limb lengthening surgery helps people increase their height, not just for aesthetic reasons but also for those with legs of different lengths or certain conditions affecting their stature. This involves cutting the bone and gradually moving the parts apart to allow new bone to grow in the gap, a complex procedure requiring skilled surgeons, advanced technology, and careful aftercare. This blog explores where to get this surgery, the methods used, and the costs. We'll introduce some of the top surgeons specializing in this field, helping you understand what to expect whether you're curious or considering the surgery.
Surgery Techniques and Costs
Limb lengthening requires precision, advanced technology, and significant aftercare, all contributing to its cost. Let's explore the common methods and their associated expenses.
LON Method: Combining an internal nail with an external fixator, the LON method is a more budget-friendly option, typically costing between €20,000 to €40,000. Though affordable, it involves managing an external device until the desired length is achieved.
Precice 2: A step up in terms of technology and comfort, the Precice 2 method is a newer, fully internal lengthening system that eliminates the use of external fixators. This method is more expensive, with costs ranging between €45,000 and €125,000, depending on the surgeon and country. It offers benefits such as being less invasive and reducing risks and discomfort.
Precice Max (formerly Stryde): This system introduced by NuVasive in early 2024, represents a new generation fully weight-bearing internal lengthening system. Availability and widespread use are expected to grow in 2024. As of March 2024, the cost of Precice Max has not yet been announced.
Limb lengthening isn’t just about the surgery; it also includes post-surgery care, which can vary for each unique case. Where and how you receive this care can significantly affect the total cost. This overview should give you an idea of what to expect financially when exploring your options. In the following section, you’ll discover some of the top specialists and their costs.
World's Best Limb Lengthening Surgeons and Costs
1. Dr. Dror Paley - Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute / Florida, USA
Dr. Dror Paley is a renowned orthopedic surgeon, who is recognized as one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the world for limb lengthening and deformity correction procedures. He is the founder and President of the Paley Institute, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA. Dr. Paley has performed more than 30,000 surgeries over the past 35 years and has also developed many of the techniques and instruments used in these surgeries.
Cost: $150,000 to $225,000.
2. Dr. Kevin Debiparshad - LimbplastX Institute / Nevada, USA
Dr. Kevin Debiparshad, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon, specializes in limb lengthening and limb deformity correction. Trained at Harvard Medical School, he’s a leading expert in this field. He also founded and leads the US-based LimbplastX Institute.
Cost: $100,000 to $150,000.
3. Dr. S.Robert Rozbruch – HSS / New York, USA
Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch, a world-renowned surgeon in this field, leads a team of highly skilled orthopedic surgeons at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, USA.
Cost: $100,000 to $150,000.
4. Dr. Shahab Mahboubian - Height Lengthening / Los Angeles / CA, USA
Dr. Shahab Mahboubian stands out in the field of limb lengthening due to his exceptional expertise and well-earned reputation. As the founder and director of the Height Lengthening Institute in North Hollywood, CA, he is renowned for his meticulous use of cutting-edge techniques such as Precice 2. His popularity on social media has played a significant role in bringing this type of surgery into the mainstream. If you’re considering this procedure, you can trust Dr. Mahboubian’s skill and care.
Cost: $80,000 to $100,000.
5. Dr. Michael J. Assayag - International Center for Limb Lengthening / USA
Dr. Michael J. Assayag, a renowned surgeon in the US, leads the International Center for Limb Lengthening (ICLL). He is an expert in limb lengthening and deformity correction, utilizing advanced techniques such as Precice.
Cost: $70,000 to $90,000.
6. Dr. Javier Downey - Instituto Downey / Spain
Dr. Javier Downey, a seasoned orthopedic surgeon at the Orthopediátrica clinic in Seville, Spain, specializes in limb lengthening and bone deformity correction for children. Trained by top US surgeons, he’s a founding member of the Spanish Pediatric Orthopedic Society.
Cost: Contact the doctor's office for price information
7. Dr. Augustin Betz - Betz Institute / Germany
Dr. Augustin Betz, founder of the Betz Institute in Germany, is a leading figure in leg lengthening procedures. He pioneered the BETZBONE® technique, a unique method of limb lengthening. His institute is renowned for its innovative techniques and research in this field.
Cost: 60,000 and 80,000 Euros
8. Dr. Rainer Baumgart - ZEM-Germany
Dr. Rainer Baumgart, the founder of ZEM-Germany, is a well-known figure in the field of leg and arm lengthening. Since 2006, his institute has been at the forefront of this specialty, using Fitbone® nails for the procedures.
Cost: €60,000 to €80,000
9. Dr. Jean-Marc Guichet – Guichet Institue / Italy & Harley Street Specialist Hospital / UK
Dr. Jean-Marc Guichet is one of Europe's leading orthopedic surgeons with over 30 years of experience. He practices at the Guichet Institute in Italy and the Harley Street Specialist Hospital in the UK. Dr. Guichet uses both the Precice nail and his invention, the Guichet® Nail.
Cost: €50,000 to €70,000
10. Dr. Donghoon Lee – Limb Lengthening Center DALRI / South Korea
Dr. Donghoon Lee is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon, specializing in limb lengthening. He’s performed numerous successful surgeries at South Korea’s DALRI, using diverse methods. His expertise has made him a leading figure in this field.
Cost: $40,000 to $70,000
11. Dr. Dimitrios Giotikas - Athens BJR / Greece
Dr. Dimitrios Giotikas is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in limb lengthening and reconstruction surgery for adults. He is the founder and director of Athens BJR, a medical center in Greece. Dr. Giotikas uses techniques like TSF, LATN, G-Nail, and Precice.
Cost: €25,000 to €80,000
12. Dr. Yuksel Yurttas – Esencan International Hospital / Istanbul, Turkey
Prof. Dr. Yuksel Yurttas is a highly skilled and accomplished orthopedic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in limb lengthening and deformity correction procedures. He completed his education at the prestigious GATA, Gülhane Military Medical Academy in Turkey, and has performed over 700 successful surgeries. Throughout his career, Dr. Yurttas has gained a reputation for his expertise in the field and has presented lectures at various medical faculties and published many academic studies in international journals. He offers the most advanced techniques for cosmetic limb lengthening with high success rates and provides a comprehensive treatment program for international patients.
Cost: €20,000 for LON method, €45,000 for Precice 2
More Affordable Options: Turkey, Iran, India
Turkey, Iran, and India offer more affordable options. However, the service quality might be different from each other. So, it’s important to compare options, understand what’s included in the price, and read both negative and positive reviews from real patients. This will help you make a well-informed decision.
Choosing Your Surgeon
If you're seriously considering this surgery, it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced doctor. Here’s what to consider:
Experience: Ask about their training, the number of surgeries they’ve performed, and their success rates.
Certification: Opt for a board-certified surgeon in a relevant specialty.
Reputation: Select a surgeon with a good reputation. Ask for references or talk to past patients.
Facility: Pick a facility that’s accredited and prioritizes patient care and safety.
Is limb lengthening covered by insurance?
In general, cosmetic limb lengthening surgery is not covered by insurance plans because it is considered an elective, or optional, procedure. This means that it is not medically necessary and is done for aesthetic reasons rather than to address a medical issue. Insurance plans typically do not cover elective procedures, including cosmetic surgery. So, if you're planning to go ahead with this procedure, be prepared to pay for it out-of-pocket. Before making any decisions, it's a good idea to talk about the expenses with your surgeon or their team to get a clear picture of the financial commitment.
For further information or questions, feel free to book a free consultation via WhatsApp at +90 533 973 5289 or email us at info@dryukselyurttas.com.